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Bluepeak Named Winner of BroadbandNow’s Digital Inclusivity Award

Bluepeak

Bluepeak, a leading provider of high-speed fiber internet, has been honored with BroadbandNow’s 2024 Digital Inclusivity Award. The Digital Inclusivity Awards celebrate internet service providers (ISPs) that “go above and beyond in their efforts to bring affordable, reliable, and high-quality internet access to underserved and unserved communities." The distinction recognizes Bluepeak as being a forward-thinking provider at the forefront of closing the digital divide in the United States through disruptive technologies, innovative approaches, and community-focused initiatives. Bluepeak CEO Rich Fish expressed his pride in the company’s achievement, stating, “This award highlights the hard work and innovative spirit of our entire team. We are honored to be recognized for our efforts to make high-speed internet accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or the size of the town. Our mission is to create digital equity and this award affirms that we are on the right path.” BroadbandNow’s Digital Inclusivity Award is based on a comprehensive evaluation of various factors including service affordability, accessibility, and the ISP’s efforts to promote digital literacy and inclusion. Bluepeak stood out for its innovative approaches to extending high-speed internet to rural and remote areas, making significant strides in ensuring that every community has the opportunity to connect and thrive in the digital age. Bluepeak’s Chief Commercial Officer Lana Frank added, “Bluepeak’s commitment to digital inclusivity includes initiatives such as offering affordable service plans, partnering with local community organizations to promote digital literacy, and investing in cutting-edge technology to enhance service reliability and reach. These efforts have not only improved connectivity but empowered communities by providing the tools necessary for success in today’s digital world.” BroadbandNow is the leading consumer resource for broadband information, with the broadest aggregated and validated data set of internet coverage, speed, and prices in the United States from the FCC and 2,000 U.S.-based internet service providers. They’ve been cited by The New York Times, Washington Post, Ars Technica, The New Yorker, and numerous other publications. For more information on the BroadbandNow Digital Inclusivity Award and the full list of award winners, visit https://broadbandnow.com/report/Digital-Inclusion-Awards. About Bluepeak Bluepeak is a new kind of internet provider bringing fast, reliable, affordable internet to places that have needed better options for too long. The company has roots serving Great Plains and Midwest communities going back more than 30 years. As the need for internet in the region has evolved, so has Bluepeak, upgrading and expanding service in South Dakota, southwest Minnesota, Oklahoma, Wyoming, North Dakota, and soon-to-be Texas, with the newest cutting-edge technology. These expansion efforts include multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, community involvement and growth through local hires. Bluepeak is earning the trust of customers and businesses through simple, affordable offerings, responsive, reliable customer service and transparent pricing. The company’s unique approach to delivering internet service has earned Bluepeak accolades for customer satisfaction, network performance, workplace culture and meaningful community partnerships. Visit www.mybluepeak.com to learn more. Contact Details Parnomi PR, on behalf of Bluepeak Angie Knight +1 574-208-9090 media@parnomi.com Company Website https://www.mybluepeak.com

August 09, 2024 09:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Benchmark International Named International Investment Banking Firm Of The Year

Benchmark International

The M&A Advisor has announced the winners of the 15th Annual International M&A Awards, and Benchmark International is proud to have been named Investment Banking Firm of the Year (North America, Europe, & Africa). The International M&A Awards celebrate the power of global collaboration and the pursuit of valuable opportunities and honor the remarkable achievements of experts who transcend borders to unlock exceptional value. An independent judging panel of industry experts evaluated nominations representing companies from across the world—a wide and varied group with deals valued from $10 million to tens of billions. A comprehensive list of the winners can be viewed here. Tyrus O’Neill, Managing Partner of Benchmark, said, “We are honored to accept this prestigious award from the M&A Advisor. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, expertise in complex global transactions, and day-to-day client dedication of our entire team. A special thank you to our clients who put their trust in Benchmark International every day. Congratulations to our team for this well-deserved award and for always maintaining such a commitment to excellence.” Partner with the #1 Privately Held M&A Advisor — Learn More. The winners will be commemorated at a black-tie gala on Tuesday, September 24, during the 2024 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit in New York City. The summit features over 500 of the industry’s leading professionals participating in exclusive interactive forums, sessions, roundtables, one-on-one meetings, and a solutions provider showcase led by a faculty of M&A industry stalwarts and business media experts. About the M&A Advisor The M&A Advisor serves the world’s leading M&A, financing, and restructuring professionals. It was founded in 1998 to publish insights and intelligence on mergers and acquisitions. Since then, they have been serving the world’s premier M&A, turnaround, and finance professionals organization. It is the preeminent organization recognizing excellence, honoring achievement, presenting thought leadership, and facilitating connections among the world’s leading dealmaking professionals. Schedule a call Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL: Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $11 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive Privately-held M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook and Refinitiv's Global League Tables. Contact Details Brittney Zoeller +1 813-898-2350 zoeller@benchmarkintl.com Company Website https://www.benchmarkintl.com/

August 09, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Latest League Tables Confirm: Benchmark International Still The #1 Privately-Held M&A Advisor Worldwide

Benchmark International

Contact Details Brittney Zoeller +1 813-898-2350 zoeller@benchmarkintl.com Company Website https://www.benchmarkintl.com/

August 09, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Direct New Marketing Campaign Highlights the Speed and Efficiency of Its Automated Digital Workflow

News Direct

Contact Details News Direct Corp. Media at News Direct sales@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

August 09, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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VenHub Offers Fully Autonomous AI-Driven Smart Stores, With Plans To Revolutionize Retail – Investors Can Get Early Access To This Future-Focused Company Until August 21st

Benzinga

By Anthony Termini, Benzinga Travelers who get to the airport early often show up before the cafes and retailers inside are open for business. As these same wayfarers stroll the quiet terminals, they often see standalone kiosks making available everything from headphones to wireless charging pads. Vending machines have, without doubt, revolutionized retail, and one California company has a plan to take the unattended retail venue to an entirely new level by leveraging AI. “Imagine If A Grocery Store And A Vending Machine Had A Genius Baby” VenHub, based in Pasadena, is taking pre-orders on its fully autonomous and robotic-operated Smart Stores that rely on advanced technologies to offer a seamless shopping experience for customers. The stores use an app-based ordering system that makes items available to consumers 24/7. Using artificial intelligence and smart inventory management systems, the stores generate revenue around the clock. They can be customized to sell everyday essentials, consumer technology or specialty items merchandised to suit the location or season. The prefab VenHub Smart Store is an expandable 800-square-foot plug-and-play storefront technology that can be delivered, unpacked and installed in just a few days. Once operational, the company says the stores are fully autonomous and fully monitored, requiring no employees to operate and costing a fraction of maintaining a traditional brick-and-mortar store. VenHub’s Value Proposition Addresses A Huge Potential Market Opportunity Data from the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) shows that retailers carrying only a limited range of household goods and groceries collectively generated more than $327 billion of in-store sales in 2023. The average purchase per customer visit was less than $8.00, according to NACS. As such, the opportunity to make shopping more convenient by placing a fully autonomous store in high-traffic locations potentially creates an enormous opportunity. VenHub estimates that it is addressing a $650 Billion market. To put VenHub’s market opportunity into perspective, consider Grainger Industrial Supply (NYSE: GWW). Grainger’s “KeepStock Vending Program” puts fully stocked vending machines in customers’ actual locations. Those small vending machines account for approximately $1 billion of Grainger’s annual sales. In a similar fashion, VenHub’s standalone Smart Stores could be a complement inside or outside of a convenience, cosmetics, electronics or grocery store, or even a pharmacy. They can be set up in airports, at colleges or in and around sports venues. In addition to selling the physical structures, VenHub projects that both software and maintenance fees will help the company achieve gross margins in excess of 50% and EBITDA margins near 37%. Shahan Ohanessian, VenHub’s CEO, says that the company “is at the forefront, spearheading initiatives that ensure safer, smarter, and smoother shopping experiences.” VenHub Is Getting Pre-Orders From Around The World The company, which in July announced a strategic non-binding Letter of Intent with a renowned NASDAQ-listed Special Purpose Acquisition Company to make VenHub public, has already secured pre-orders from more than 800 retailers around the world. According to company sources, that represents more than $240 million in potential sales. VenHub believes the pending alignment with a NASDAQ-listed entity will heighten its visibility and increase investor confidence by broadening its access to global capital markets. Public companies with broad access to capital are better able to fast-track growth, innovate their product offering and expand into new markets and regions. Ohanessian says the deal "signals the start of a profound transformation in the retail world." The company believes its Smart Store concept is the future of retailing, and it intends to be the leader in the autonomous robotic retail sector. VenHub is on the path to issuing shares to the public in a Regulation CF offering. Issuance Express is facilitating the distribution. Investors interested in this company’s shares may still have an opportunity to invest, but only until August 21st. The offering is highlighted on the Issuance Express portal. Featured photo courtesy of VenHub. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 09, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Federal Reserve Leaves Rates Unchanged, Eyes Future Cuts

Benzinga

By Cboe In the most recent Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting at the end of July, the committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 5.25% to 5.50% and to continue reducing their securities holdings. An Economy In Flux Though the FOMC cited recent signs of an improving economy as the basis for its policy decision, the release of the July 2024 jobs report on Friday, August 2nd, upended market sentiment. As detailed in the report, U.S. employers added just 114,000 jobs in July – 35% fewer than expected – and unemployment, now at 4.3%, is the highest since October 2021. This incoming data initiated many conversations about the Sahm rule, which posits that if the jobless rate, based on a three-month average, is a half percentage point above its lowest point over the previous 12 months, the economy has tipped into a recession. Friday’s jobs report technically meets the Sahm rule's criteria. The jobless rate in July rose from 4.1% to 4.3%, ticking the three-month average more than a half point above the 3.6% average one year ago. Against this backdrop, the sell-off on Friday was driven by the belief that the FOMC has delayed in reducing rates and a recession is nearing. Interestingly enough, Claudia Sahm, the economist for whom the Sahm rule was named, wrote in a recent post that clarified the interpretation of the statistic, stating, “A recession is not imminent, but the risks of a recession have risen.” The Interconnectedness Of Markets: The Japan Carry Trade Effect While the jobs report shifted market sentiment on Friday, the Bank of Japan's recent action to raise its benchmark rate from 0.10% to 0.25% was part of the impetus for the drawdown in U.S. equity markets on Monday. How was this possible? Because of the yen carry trade. Macroeconomic conditions determining the relationship between Japan and the United States have shifted. Since early 2023, the Federal Reserve has increased interest rates, while the Bank of Japan has kept its rates close to zero. This difference made the yen less attractive, allowing investors to borrow cheaply in yen and invest in higher-yield assets, such as U.S. equities – particularly “Magnificent Seven” companies. This practice, known as the carry trade, pushed the yen's value down further. A weaker yen boosted the earnings of Japan's export-driven companies as their foreign earnings became more valuable in yen. With the Bank of Japan enacting tighter monetary policy, traders are forced to close their positions due to the appreciation of the yen; causing a sharp market decline. Japan's stock market, led by export-oriented companies, has been particularly affected, as these companies benefited from a weaker yen both through competitive pricing and higher reported earnings from abroad. The Possibility Of Future Rate Cuts While many market participants and individuals have been calling for a rate cut, recent occurrences have raised the decibel level of those voices. In the press conference following the recent FOMC meeting, Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell signaled the possibility of a rate cut by stating, “A rate cut could be on the table in the September meeting.” However, Powell also tempered expectations by saying he “can imagine a scenario in which there would be everywhere from zero cuts to several cuts” over the remainder of the year, “depending on the way the economy evolves.” With the adverse change in market sentiment and Monday’s U.S. equity drawdown, Chicago Federal Reserve President Austan Goolsbee intimated that the Federal Reserve would react to signs of economic weakness and indicated that interest rates could be too restrictive now. Based on the CME Group’s FedWatch, there is a growing probabilistic belief that a rate cut will occur in FOMC’s September 2024 meeting. Managing Volatility Stemming From Uncertainty For investors looking to navigate potential market volatility, index options offer the opportunity to trade based on one’s directional view – bullish, bearish or neutral – of the overall market. For example, if an investor has a strong view of how the broad stock market will move, they could consider trading index options on the S&P 500® ( SPX ). Index options provide investors with the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell the index at a predetermined price before the option's expiration date. Due to their inherently leveraged nature, these instruments amplify the potential for high returns and the level of risk. The pricing of these options is influenced by several factors, including the underlying index's price, the strike price, time to expiration, interest rates, dividends and implied volatility. Cboe Global Market’s (CBOE: CBOE) Cboe Volatility Index® ( VIX® ) Options allow investors to trade or hedge against the volatility of the U.S. stock market, as measured by the Cboe Volatility Index® (VIX®). VIX Index Options are powerful tools for investors looking to trade or hedge against market volatility. They provide a way to gain exposure to the expected future volatility of the market, offering opportunities for speculation, hedging and diversification. Much uncertainty remains in the current U.S. economic landscape, with potential developments on the horizon capable of shifting market sentiment either way. Index options can provide investors with the tools to mitigate or capitalize on volatility stemming from uncertainty for the benefit of their portfolio. Featured photo by Etienne Martin on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 09, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Apis Cor’s Revolutionary 3D-Printed Houses Could Help Revolutionize Construction, Solving Key Social Issues Like A Labor And Housing Shortage

Benzinga

By James Blacker, Benzinga The United States is currently facing a severe housing shortage driven by years of underbuilding relative to demand from a growing population. Estimates indicate that the deficit ranges between 4 million and 7 million homes. To put this into perspective, America’s largest homebuilder, D.R. Horton, has built just about 1 million homes during its entire 45 years of operation. Factors contributing to the current dearth of houses include a crippling labor shortage, rising material costs and supply chain issues, all factors that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The housing crisis has prompted the need for innovative solutions to boost construction rates. The use of 3D printing technology is one potential solution offered by companies such as Apis Cor, who are leading the way in this transformative shift in the construction industry. A New Way Of Building For A Changing Labor Landscape The construction industry is short of some 500,000 workers in the U.S. this year. Many workers are retiring, while younger generations are showing less interest in traditional construction roles. This generational shift is not unique to construction but is having a profound impact on many industries. 3D printing technology offers a compelling solution to this problem by automating the construction process and eliminating the need for a large crew. Apis Cor’s technology, for example, requires a maximum crew of just two people to operate, in contrast to a 10-person crew that would be needed for traditional construction methods. Not only does this address the labor shortage issue, but also makes construction more efficient and cost-effective. Advantages Of 3D Printing In Construction 3D Printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the construction of three-dimensional objects from digital models by depositing materials in successive layers. In construction, large-scale 3D printers layer materials such as concrete or mortar until the walls are complete. This innovative approach allows for intricate building designs that were previously impossible, opening new possibilities in architectural creativity. The potential for 3D printing in construction is significant. Not only does it require a smaller workforce, but it can also lower material costs, increase construction speed and optimize logistics. Apis Cor says they can currently 3D print the wall structures for a standard single-family house within five days instead of the weeks that conventional labor-intensive methods typically take. Apis Cor is eyeing a piece of an industry estimated to be worth over $53 billion by 2032. The company develops proprietary 3D printing technology that it says is capable of printing buildings of any square footage, with a potential cost reduction of up to 30% (which depends on many factors like design and location etc.) compared to conventional construction methods and at triple the speed. Apis Cor has already printed buildings in Boca Chica, TX, and Melbourne, FL, and aims to bring automated construction to every builder in America. The company has also deployed its printing robots in Dubai, where it reports holding the accolade of constructing the largest 3D-printed building in the world, which is a two-story, 31 ft tall building with 6,400 square feet of living area One of the most interesting aspects of Apis Cor’s technology is the ability to operate the 3D printers remotely. In a recent test, an operator based in California successfully controlled a printing process happening in Florida. This capability opens the possibility for around-the-clock operation and increased productivity. Remote operation is particularly beneficial for constructing buildings in remote or disaster-stricken areas, where traditional construction teams face logistical challenges, apart from its potential in construction for military operations. Apis Cor is currently in its pre-IPO stage and has already raised over $3.5 million from over 2,000 investors. For those looking to capitalize on what could be the future of construction, this funding round could be an interesting opportunity to support a company at the forefront of a homebuilding revolution. Click here to find out more about the company and how to invest. Featured photo by Binyamin Mellish on Pexels. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. The preceding post was written and/or published as a collaboration between Benzingaâs in-house sponsored content team and a financial partner of Benzinga. Although the piece is not and should not be construed as editorial content, the sponsored content team works to ensure that any and all information contained within is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge and research. Benzinga may receive monetary compensation from the issuer, or its agency, for publicizing the offering of the issuerâs securities. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. This is a paid ad. Please see 17b disclosure linked in the campaign page for more information. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 09, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Next 6 Months Could Be Big For This Lithium Miner

Benzinga

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga Francis MacDonald, CEO of Li-FT Power (OTC: LIFFF) (CVE: LIFT), was recently a guest on Benzinga’s All-Access. Li-FT is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of lithium pegmatite projects in Canada. The company’s flagship project is the Yellowknife Lithium Project located in the Northwest Territories. Li-FT also holds three early-stage exploration properties in Quebec, Canada, which it says have excellent potential for the discovery of buried lithium pegmatites, and also the Cali Project in the Northwest Territories within the Little Nahanni Pegmatite Group. The company recently released data gathered from the Yellowknife Project showing high concentrations of lithium. Watch the full interview here: Featured photo by MiningWatch Portugal on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 09, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Justin Sun Delivers Keynote and Fireside Chat at ABS2024, TRON DAO Featured as Title Sponsor

TRON DAO

Geneva, Switzerland, August 9, 2024 - The Asia Blockchain Summit 2024 ( ABS2024 ), featured TRON DAO as a Title Sponsor and welcomed TRON founder Justin Sun to deliver a keynote speech. Sun also participated in a thought-provoking fireside chat with Song Hongbin, author of "Currency Wars". The summit convened leaders from Web3, and various industries to explore and discuss the future of Blockchain, AI, and the Future of Governance. ABS2024 was held in Taipei from August 6-8 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Taiwan has long been at the forefront of technology discussions, and this summit featured a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers and panelists, including Vitalik Buterin, founder of Ethereum; Song Hongbing, author of “Currency Wars”; and actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. This significant gathering underscores the growing global interest in Taiwan as a leading center for Web3 innovation. TRON DAO and ABS successfully hosted Masterminds, the Official VIP & Speakers Only Reception at ABS2024 on August 6th. The exclusive opening night drinks reception at the iconic Ce La Vie Taipei offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city, complemented by exquisite cocktails, music, and delectable cuisine. August 7th, Justin Sun, Founder of TRON, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the positive impact TRON is making by bridging the crypto and traditional financial worlds. He discussed TRON's progress in payments and financial inclusion. Sun also participated in a fireside chat with Song Hongbin, a renowned scholar on financial history, for an in-depth discussion on their philosophy of “Money and digital assets.” Dave Uhryniak, Leader of Ecosystem Development at TRON DAO, also participated in a compelling panel discussion titled “How to Leverage Community Power for the Next Leg Up.” This discussion explored the benefits of community and collaboration in achieving collective success. The session emphasized mutual support and shared progress, resonating with audiences interested in community-building and cooperative achievements. As TRON DAO continues its mission to decentralize the internet through innovative blockchain solutions, it remains steadfast in nurturing strong community ties and fostering global innovation. Participation in ABS2024 underscores TRON DAO’s dedication to shaping the future of decentralized technologies and its ongoing commitment to advancing education in the blockchain sector. About TRON DAO TRON DAO is a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technology and dApps. Founded in September 2017 by H.E. Justin Sun, the TRON network has continued to deliver impressive achievements since MainNet launch in May 2018. July 2018 also marked the ecosystem integration of BitTorrent, a pioneer in decentralized Web3 services boasting over 100 million monthly active users. The TRON network has gained incredible traction in recent years. As of August 2024, it has over 247 million total user accounts on the blockchain, more than 8 billion total transactions, and over $22 billion in total value locked (TVL), as reported on TRONSCAN. In addition, TRON hosts the largest circulating supply of USD Tether (USDT) stablecoin across the globe, overtaking USDT on Ethereum since April 2021. The TRON network completed full decentralization in December 2021 and is now a community-governed DAO. Most recently in October 2022, TRON was designated as the national blockchain for the Commonwealth of Dominica, which marks the first time a major public blockchain partnered with a sovereign nation to develop its national blockchain infrastructure. On top of the government’s endorsement to issue Dominica Coin (“DMC”), a blockchain-based fan token to help promote Dominica’s global fanfare, seven existing TRON-based tokens - TRX, BTT, NFT, JST, USDD, USDT, TUSD, have been granted statutory status as authorized digital currency and medium of exchange in the country. TRONNetwork | TRONDAO | Twitter | YouTube | Telegram | Discord | Reddit | GitHub | Medium | Forum Media Contact Yeweon Park press@tron.network Contact Details Yeweon Park press@tron.network Company Website https://trondao.org/

August 09, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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